When assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

Determine apical pulse rate and rhythm.

Observe color and amount of urine.

Compare muscle strength bilaterally.

Assess strength of deep tendon reflexes.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: This is the most important intervention because a high serum potassium level can cause cardiac dysrhythmias, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should monitor the client's heart rate and rhythm closely and report any changes or abnormalities to the healthcare provider.

Choice B reason: This is not the most important intervention because the color and amount of urine are not directly related to the serum potassium level. The nurse should assess the client's renal function and fluid balance, but these are not the priority assessments.

Choice C reason: This is also not the most important intervention because the muscle strength is not the most sensitive indicator of the serum potassium level. The nurse should evaluate the client's neuromuscular status and watch for signs of weakness or paralysis, but these are not the priority assessments.

Choice D reason: This is another incorrect intervention because the deep tendon reflexes are not the most reliable indicator of the serum potassium level. The nurse should check the client's reflexes and note any hyperreflexia or hyporeflexia, but these are not the priority assessments.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Urine specific gravity is a measure of the concentration of solutes in the urine. It is inversely related to the hydration status of the client. A high urine specific gravity indicates dehydration, while a low urine specific gravity indicates overhydration.

Choice B reason: Serum hematocrit is a measure of the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. It is also inversely related to the hydration status of the client. A high serum hematocrit indicates dehydration, while a low serum hematocrit indicates overhydration.

Choice C reason: Pulse rate is a measure of the frequency of the heartbeats. It is directly related to the hydration status of the client. A low pulse rate indicates dehydration, while a high pulse rate indicates overhydration.

Choice D reason: Urinary output is a measure of the amount of urine produced by the kidneys. It is directly related to the hydration status of the client. A low urinary output indicates dehydration, while a high urinary output indicates overhydration.

A. Give positive feedback to the PN and document the skill competency. B. Explain to the PN that the sterile sponges are not needed for the procedure. C. Remind the PN to wash his hands before applying the sterile gloves. D. Ask the PN to remove the gloves and sponges and start over with a new set.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Giving positive feedback to the PN and documenting the skill competency is not the appropriate action to take. The PN did not demonstrate proper sterile technique, as he touched the outside of the sterile glove package and the sterile sponges with his bare hands, contaminating them.

Choice B reason: Explaining to the PN that the sterile sponges are not needed for the procedure is not the relevant action to take. The PN may have been following the instructions of the healthcare provider, who may have requested the sponges for the procedure. The issue is not the need for the sponges, but the way the PN handled them.

Choice C reason: Reminding the PN to wash his hands before applying the sterile gloves is not the sufficient action to take. Washing the hands is an important step in maintaining infection control, but it does not correct the mistake the PN made by touching the sterile items with his bare hands.

Choice D reason: Asking the PN to remove the gloves and sponges and start over with a new set is the best action to take. It ensures that the PN follows the correct sterile technique and does not compromise the safety of the client or the procedure. It also provides an opportunity for the charge nurse to teach the PN how to avoid contamination.

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When assessing a client with a serum potassium level of 7.5 mEq/L (7.5 mmol/L), which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is evaluating the fluid balance of a client who was admitted yesterday with dehydration and who has been receiving IV fluids since admission. An increase in which parameter indicates to the nurse that the client is rehydrating?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The practical nurse (PN) applies sterile gloves and opens a pack of sterile sponges to assist the healthcare provider with a bedside procedure. After the charge nurse observes the PN, which action should the charge nurse take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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